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Wanderlust & Wishes

Wanderlust & Wishes

Written by: Julie & Krystle
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Planning your next Disney, Universal, cruise, or all-inclusive vacation and feeling overwhelmed?


Welcome to Wanderlust & Wishes, the weekly travel podcast hosted by travel advisors Krystle and Julie. We help families, couples, and Disney-loving adults plan smarter vacations without stress.


From Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and all-inclusive resorts around the world, we share tips, honest reviews, hidden gems, and strategy you can actually use. Learn how to tackle rope drop, master Lightning Lanes, pack smart for cruises, and discover must-see experiences for every destination.


Whether you’re planning your first Disney trip, an adults-only getaway, or your next big adventure, Wanderlust & Wishes helps you travel like a pro and make unforgettable memories along the way.


New episodes every week- subscribe now and start planning your dream trip today!


© 2026 Wanderlust & Wishes
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Alaska Cruise Roundtable: Real Experiences, Best Excursions & First-Time Tips (Ep 112)
    Jul 15 2026

    Thinking about taking an Alaska cruise? In this special roundtable episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're joined by three of our friends and fellow travel advisors who recently returned from three different Alaska sailings. From cruise line comparisons and unforgettable excursions to wildlife encounters, glacier viewing, packing tips, and planning advice, we're sharing the real experiences that can help you decide if an Alaska cruise is right for you.

    We compare what surprised them most, discuss the excursions they would book again, talk about what they would do differently next time, and separate common Alaska cruise myths from reality. Whether you're deciding between cruise lines, planning your first Alaska vacation, or simply dreaming about America's Last Frontier, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest opinions from travelers who have just experienced it firsthand.

    Support the show

    Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

    For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
    Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • How to Beat the Heat at Disney World & Universal: Summer Park Survival Tips (Ep 111)
    Jul 8 2026

    Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but it's also one of the hottest. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing our favorite tips for staying cool, hydrated, and comfortable while tackling long park days in the Florida heat.

    From smart hydration strategies and electrolyte tips to the best places to cool off, when to take a midday break, and the summer gear that's actually worth packing, we're covering everything we've learned through our own park visits and helping clients plan successful vacations year after year.

    Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation, heading to Universal Orlando, or visiting any theme park this summer, these practical tips will help you spend less time recovering from the heat and more time enjoying your vacation.

    Support the show

    Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

    For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
    Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Disney vs. Universal Orlando in 2026: Comparing Rides, Hotels, Food & Updates Since Adding Epic Universe (Ep 110)
    Jul 1 2026

    Planning an Orlando vacation and trying to decide between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando? We're revisiting one of our most popular episodes with a completely updated 2026 comparison.

    A lot has changed since we recorded this episode last year. Epic Universe has officially opened, Disney's Lightning Lane system has evolved, and new attractions and hotels have changed the conversation.

    In this episode, we're comparing Disney and Universal across the categories that matter most, including rides, hotels, dining, entertainment, transportation, skip-the-line systems, value, and more. We also discuss which destination is the better fit for families with young kids, tweens, teens, adults-only trips, thrill seekers, first-time visitors, and budget-conscious travelers.

    Whether you're planning your first Orlando vacation or deciding where to go next, this episode will help you choose the destination that's the best fit for your travel style.

    Topics we cover include:
    • Disney vs. Universal rides and attractions
    • Epic Universe's impact on Universal Orlando
    • Disney and Universal hotels
    • Lightning Lane vs. Express Pass
    • Best food and snacks
    • Entertainment and nighttime spectaculars
    • Which destination offers the best value in 2026
    • Our updated category winners and final verdict

    As always, we're sharing our honest opinions based on our own experiences and what we're seeing as travel advisors helping families plan Orlando vacations every day.

    Support the show

    Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

    For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
    Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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